The iconic wooden Red Lion statue perched above the High Street in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, has received a comprehensive fourth restoration, featuring a newly carved pine tail and rear leg. Sculptor Colin Mantripp completed the week-long project following weather damage and wet rot, preserving a local landmark originally created by his grandfather, Frank Hudson, in the 1950s.
The Bottom Line
- The Project: Local sculptor Colin Mantripp spent a week in the sun repairing the High Wycombe Red Lion statue, tackling extensive weather damage and wet rot.
- The Materials: The historic landmark, originally crafted by Frank Hudson in the 1950s, received a brand-new tail and rear leg carved entirely out of pine.
- The History: The structure has a storied past, having previously survived the Great Storm of 1987, acts of vandalism in 2002, and a community-led renovation in 2017.
Decoding the Heritage of High Wycombe’s Wooden Guardian
In the quiet rhythm of Buckinghamshire town life, architectural fixtures rarely capture the global imagination. Yet, the red lion statue sitting proudly above the former Red Lion Hotel on the High Street in High Wycombe remains an unyielding focal point of local identity. Originally brought to life in the 1950s by master wood carver Frank Hudson, the statue has stood as a silent witness to decades of British history—including a notable 1945 visit where Winston Churchill delivered a speech near its predecessor.
But wood does not bargain with the elements. According to reporting from the BBC, the latest intervention became necessary after severe weather and insidious wet rot compromised the statue’s structural integrity. Sculptor Colin Mantripp—Hudson’s grandson, who feels a profound familial and civic obligation to the landmark—stepped in to execute the repairs. Spending a week working under the hot sun, Mantripp meticulously carved a brand-new rear leg and replacement tail out of pine, noting that hundreds of curious passers-by stopped to praise his craftsmanship in various languages.
A Legacy of Repairs: From the Great Storm to Present Day
This recent overhaul marks the fourth time the statue has undergone significant structural resurrection. The wooden lion’s resilience has been tested before. Following the catastrophic Great Storm of 1987, which blew the structure down, Mantripp spent months restoring it, re-carving more than 45 percent of the original figure, including new feet and the back of its head. Further damage arrived via vandalism in 2002, prompting another round of restoration. By 2017, a collaborative campaign spearheaded by the Bucks Free Press and The High Wycombe Society brought about yet another necessary renovation.
Mantripp admitted he is “relieved” to finish the work, telling local outlets that he hopes the structure can avoid a fifth major intervention for at least another four years. However, he emphasized that ongoing preservation requires vigilance, noting, “If it was regularly painted it wouldn’t need restoring, it needs to be regularly maintained.”
Preserving Public Art in the Modern Era
| Year / Event | Nature of Damage | Restoration Effort |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | Original Creation | Sculpted from wood by Frank Hudson. |
| 1987 | The Great Storm | Blew down; Colin Mantripp re-carved over 45% of the structure, adding new feet and head details. |
| 2002 | Vandalism | Repaired following intentional damage. |
| 2017 | General Decay | Renovated following a campaign by The High Wycombe Society and the Bucks Free Press. |
| 2026 | Wet Rot & Weather Damage | Received a new pine rear leg and a second replacement tail during a week-long £3,000 project. |
The survival of public art pieces like the High Wycombe Red Lion highlights the fragile balance between municipal heritage and weathering physical decay. While major cultural institutions often rely on endowment funds or corporate sponsorships for preservation, regional landmarks frequently depend on the dedication of local artisans and grassroots community advocacy. Mantripp, reflecting on his work, expressed pride in protecting what he considers an essential pillar of the town’s architectural lineage.
As the newly tailed lion resumes its watch over the High Street, the conversation among residents shifts from emergency repairs to sustainable upkeep. Without regular coats of paint and proactive maintenance, wood inevitably surrenders to the elements. For now, the landmark stands tall once more—a testament to generational craftsmanship and a community unwilling to let its history rot away.
What are your thoughts on preserving historic community landmarks? Have you ever witnessed a piece of local public art undergoing a major restoration? Let us know in the comments below.
